which_o have_v as_o they_o think_v undue_o enough_o fail_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n it_o become_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o church_n state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o such_o mistake_v have_v happen_v as_o they_o surmise_a but_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n other_o notion_n of_o schism_n beside_o those_o insist_v on_o we_o acknowledge_v not_o nor_o be_v any_o other_o advance_v with_o the_o least_o probality_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v move_v with_o outcry_n about_o schism_n wherein_o without_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o charity_n man_n contend_v for_o their_o own_o interest_n of_o those_o notion_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n sober_a and_o learned_a we_o decline_v a_o trial_n by_o none_o that_o only_o except_v that_o the_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v all_o that_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o world_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o at_o all_o that_o which_o be_v now_o so_o fierce_o plead_v by_o some_o concern_v different_a observation_n of_o external_a modes_n rite_n custom_n some_o more_o or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o make_v man_n schismatic_n be_v at_o once_o to_o judge_v all_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v schismatical_a their_o difference_n variety_n and_o diversity_n among_o they_o about_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v enumerate_v and_o so_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o the_o faith_n or_o breach_n of_o love_n they_o continue_v to_o be_v until_o all_o church_n order_n and_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o pernicious_a then_o ten_o thousand_o such_o dispute_n for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o whole_a discourse_n concern_v the_o original_a nature_n and_o state_n of_o gospel_n church_n i_o shall_v use_v that_o liberty_n which_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n put_v into_o my_o possession_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n convert_v to_o god_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o baptize_v seed_n associate_a themselves_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n command_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o observance_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o these_o believer_n thus_o associate_v in_o society_n know_v the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n for_o that_o end_n do_v choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v their_o ruler_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o his_o institution_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v on_o various_a consideration_n elder_n bishop_n pastor_n and_o the_o like_a name_n of_o dignity_n authority_n and_o office_n who_o be_v to_o administer_v all_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n they_o be_v solemn_o appoint_v ordain_v or_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o by_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n after_o their_o decease_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o of_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o ordinary_a church_n ruler_n under_o the_o law_n the_o people_n look_v out_o and_o choose_v fit_a person_n who_o moses_n set_v apart_o to_o the_o office_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15._o and_o in_o the_o call_v of_o deacon_n act_n 6._o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n or_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o moses_n do_v to_o the_o people_n act_v 6.31_o assert_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n in_o their_o call_n and_o whereas_o he_o who_o be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o office_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n namely_o of_o a_o officer_n in_o general_n and_o of_o a_o apostle_n which_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a there_o be_v a_o threefold_a act_n in_o his_o call_n the_o people_n choose_v two_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n act_v 1.23_o god_n immediate_a determination_n of_o one_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o the_o obedient_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o compliance_n with_o that_o determination_n ver_fw-la 26._o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o church_n be_v general_o in_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o their_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a until_o they_o be_v supply_v with_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o former_a be_v of_o of_o several_a sort_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o and_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o in_o every_o church_n who_o number_n be_v increase_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v multiply_v so_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o every_o ten_o family_n shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o any_o church_n of_o any_o sort_n whatever_o either_o absolute_o or_o by_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n but_o as_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n be_v many_o at_o least_o more_o thenone_o so_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o they_o and_o a_o equality_n in_o order_n power_n and_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o church_n one_o only_o be_v original_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n town_n or_o village_n this_o way_n be_v take_v from_o conveniency_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o from_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o where_o conveniency_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o the_o number_n in_o these_o church_n multiply_v daily_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n among_o they_o hereon_o the_o advantage_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o priority_n of_o conversion_n or_o of_o ordination_n in_o age_n gift_n and_o grace_n especial_o in_o ability_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o preserve_a order_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o elder_n themselves_o give_v he_o peculiar_a dignity_n pre-eminence_n and_o title_n he_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o bishop_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o church_n for_o in_o those_o church_n in_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o evangelist_n continue_v for_o a_o long_a season_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o church_n affair_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o eminent_o esteem_v by_o they_o who_o have_v eminent_a yea_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o to_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v by_o clemens_n of_o the_o many_o other_o elder_n who_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v not_o many_o have_v gift_n for_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v call_v thereunto_o hence_o justin_n martyr_n seem_v to_o assign_v the_o constant_a public_a administration_n of_o sacred_a ordinance_n unto_o one_o precedent_n and_o this_o also_o promote_v the_o constant_a presidency_n of_o one_o in_o who_o the_o apostolical_a aid_n by_o evangelist_n may_v be_v supply_v these_o church_n thus_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o one_o place_n each_o of_o they_o city_n town_n or_o village_n be_v each_o of_o they_o entrust_v with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o or_o endue_v his_o church_n withal_o this_o power_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v mere_o ministerial_a every_o one_o of_o these_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n through_o the_o exercise_n of_o peculiar_a sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n among_o all_o their_o member_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o peace_n and_o useful_a communion_n with_o all_o othâ—â—_n church_n in_o the_o
of_o the_o roman_a empire_n then_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o unto_o its_o rise_n by_o holiness_n and_o devotion_n and_o its_o ruin_n by_o sensuality_n ambition_n the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o superstition_n but_o yet_o let_v any_o man_n peruse_v that_o historian_n who_o write_v with_o this_o express_a design_n he_o shall_v hardly_o fix_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o instance_n whereby_o the_o empire_n come_v into_o that_o deplorable_a condition_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v its_o distemper_n nor_o its_o cure_n such_o as_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o beside_o the_o common_a difficulty_n of_o discover_v the_o beginning_n and_o gradual_a progression_n of_o decay_n declension_n and_o apostasy_n those_o which_o we_o treat_v of_o be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o a_o mysterious_a manner_n that_o be_v by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n as_o this_o almost_o hide_v total_o the_o work_n of_o it_o from_o the_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrought_v so_o it_o render_v the_o discovery_n of_o it_o now_o accomplish_a the_o more_o difficult_a passenger_n in_o a_o ship_n set_v out_o to_o sea_n ofttimes_o discern_v not_o the_o progressive_a motion_n of_o the_o ship_n yea_o for_o a_o while_o the_o land_n rather_o seem_v to_o to_o move_v from_o they_o than_o the_o vessel_n wherein_o they_o be_v from_o it_o but_o after_o a_o season_n the_o consideration_n of_o what_o distance_n they_o be_v at_o from_o their_o port_n give_v they_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o progress_n that_o have_v be_v make_v so_o be_v this_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n and_o institution_n be_v discoverable_a rather_o by_o measure_v the_o distance_n between_o what_o it_o leave_v and_o what_o it_o arrive_v unto_o then_o by_o express_a instance_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o altogether_o like_a unto_o that_o of_o a_o ship_n at_o sea_n but_o rather_o unto_o the_o way_n of_o a_o serpent_n on_o a_o rock_n which_o leave_v some_o slime_n in_o all_o its_o turn_n and_o wind_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v trace_v such_o mark_n be_v leave_v on_o record_n of_o the_o serpentine_a work_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n as_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v trace_v with_o more_o or_o less_o evidence_n from_o its_o original_a interest_n unto_o its_o accomplishment_n the_o principal_a promote_a cause_n of_o this_o defection_n on_o the_o part_n of_o man_n be_v those_o assign_v by_o st._n ambrose_n in_o one_o instance_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o clergy_n i_o speak_v as_o unto_o the_o state_n rule_n discipline_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o unto_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o it_o there_o be_v many_o other_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o corruption_n which_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o alteration_n that_o be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n they_o arise_v from_o those_o spring_n of_o negligence_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o ambition_n on_o the_o other_o with_o want_n of_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o manage_v outward_a occurrence_n and_o incidency_n or_o what_o alteration_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n for_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o general_a unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n order_n be_v suit_v and_o frame_v unto_o their_o secular_a state_n when_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o spiritual_a state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n leave_v their_o political_a state_n entire_a unto_o themselves_o herein_o i_o say_v do_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o miss_v their_o rule_n and_o depart_v from_o it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n and_o afterward_o under_o other_o christian_a emperor_n when_o whole_a town_n city_n yea_o and_o nation_n offer_v at_o once_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o it_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o wrought_v hereunto_o by_o the_o same_o power_n nor_o induce_v unto_o it_o on_o the_o same_o motive_n or_o lead_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n with_o those_o who_o former_o under_o persecution_n be_v convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o quick_o manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o many_o yea_o of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o hence_o those_o which_o be_v wise_a quick_o understand_v that_o what_o the_o church_n have_v get_v in_o multitude_n and_o number_n it_o have_v lose_v in_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o its_o holy_a profession_n chrysostome_n in_o particular_a complain_n of_o it_o frequent_o and_o in_o many_o place_n cry_v out_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o this_o multitude_n a_o few_o serious_a believer_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o they_o all_o however_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n think_v meet_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o all_o their_o multitude_n into_o their_o communion_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o to_o place_v they_o under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o such_o and_o such_o episcopal_a see_v for_o hereby_o their_o own_o power_n authority_n dignity_n revenue_n be_v enlarge_v and_o mighty_o increase_v on_o this_o occasion_n the_o ancient_a primitive_a way_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n be_v relinquish_v the_o consideration_n of_o their_o personal_a qualification_n and_o real_a conversion_n unto_o god_n omit_v such_o multitude_n be_v receive_v as_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o particular_a church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v dispose_v and_o be_v the_o most_o of_o they_o unfit_a to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n on_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o great_a alteration_n must_v ensue_v in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o great_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a institution_n man_n may_v say_v that_o this_o alteration_n be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o accommodation_n of_o general_a rule_n unto_o especial_a occasion_n and_o circumstance_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n hereon_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n none_o can_v with_o modesty_n deny_v and_o this_o be_v enough_o unto_o my_o present_a design_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v that_o such_o alteration_n and_o deviation_n do_v of_o old_a fall_n out_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o cover_v the_o provoke_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o 4_o the_o and_o 5_o the_o century_n with_o those_o that_o follow_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o holy_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o his_o church_n for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o public_o receive_v christian_n religion_n but_o it_o have_v be_v waste_v and_o destroy_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o pagan_a idolater_n or_o such_o as_o be_v no_o better_o than_o they_o at_o first_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o western_a empire_n be_v one_o after_o another_o make_v desolate_a by_o the_o pagan_a nation_n of_o the_o northern_a country_n who_o themselves_o do_v afterward_o so_o turn_v christian_n as_o to_o lay_v among_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o anti-christianisme_n rev._n 17.12_o 13._o the_o eastern_a empire_n comprehend_v the_o residue_n of_o the_o province_n that_o have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o desolate_v in_o the_o chief_a branch_n of_o it_o by_o the_o saracen_n and_o at_o length_n utter_o destroy_v by_o the_o turk_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n that_o the_o like_a fate_n do_v not_o at_o this_o day_n hang_v over_o the_o reform_a nation_n as_o from_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v call_v do_v we_o think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v without_o câ—use_n do_v god_n give_v up_o his_o inheritance_n to_o the_o spoil_n of_o barbarous_a infidel_n without_o such_o provocation_n as_o the_o pass_n by_o whereof_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o his_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n nor_o the_o courage_n nor_o the_o multitude_n of_o theâ—r_a enemy_n but_o their_o own_o sin_n wickedness_n superstition_n and_o apostasy_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o gospel-order_n worship_n and_o obedience_n which_o ruin_v all_o christian_a nation_n but_o to_o give_v far_a evidence_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o cause_n aforementioned_a distinct_o and_o apart_o and_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v the_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n themselves_o but_o in_o this_o
peace_n and_o order_n as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v unto_o that_o where_o many_o have_v a_o common_a interest_n they_o ought_v to_o consult_v in_o common_a for_o the_o due_a management_n of_o it_o with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n be_v evident_a dictate_v of_o this_o light_n and_o law_n now_o whatever_o church-state_n may_v be_v superinduce_v by_o divine_a institution_n yet_o this_o light_n and_o law_n in_o all_o their_o evident_a dictate_v continue_v their_o oblige_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o must_v do_v so_o eternal_o wherefore_o thing_n that_o belong_v hereunto_o need_v no_o new_a institution_n in_o any_o church-state_n whatever_o but_o yet_o 2._o whatever_o be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o such_o society_n as_o church_n as_o useful_a unto_o their_o order_n and_o conduce_v unto_o their_o end_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o gospel_n church_n their_o state_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n do_v not_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n that_o in_o their_o observance_n of_o his_o appointment_n they_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v man_n or_o forego_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a ability_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o exercise_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n yea_o because_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o of_o mere_a revelation_n he_o give_v wisdom_n prudence_n and_o understanding_n to_o make_v that_o application_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n unto_o those_o to_o who_o the_o guidance_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v wherefore_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v we_o unto_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n we_o need_v no_o other_o institution_n but_o that_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o especial_a spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o that_o end_n 4._o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n general_a rule_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o application_n of_o natural_a light_n unto_o such_o a_o determination_n of_o all_o circumstance_n in_o the_o act_n of_o church_n rule_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o performance_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n wherefore_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v utter_o in_o vain_a and_o useless_a to_o demand_v express_a institution_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v unto_o the_o government_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a unto_o its_o edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v nor_o be_v they_o capable_a to_o be_v any_o otherwise_o state_v but_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o spiritual_a prudence_n direct_v by_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v our_o principal_a assertion_n be_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n institutor_n and_o appointer_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n and_o legislation_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n with_o all_o thing_n constant_o and_o perpetual_o belong_v thereunto_o or_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v therein_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o from_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o general_a and_o shall_v far_o particular_o confirm_v in_o our_o progress_n hence_o 6._o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a use_n nor_o benefit_n of_o any_o church-state_n nor_o of_o any_o thing_n therein_o perform_v but_o what_o on_o the_o part_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v answer_v that_o enquiry_n which_o god_n direct_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v make_v namely_o why_o we_o do_v this_o or_o that_o thing_n exod._n 12.25_o 26_o 27._o with_o this_o that_o it_o be_v because_o christ_n have_v require_v it_o of_o we_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n nor_o hear_v he_o as_o the_o son_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o act_n of_o power_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exert_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n or_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n all_o church_n power_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o faculty_n or_o ability_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o it_o be_v his_o constitution_n that_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a worship_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o some_o person_n set_v apart_o unto_o that_o end_n according_a unto_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v all_o their_o authority_n all_o that_o they_o have_v of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n or_o by_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o gospel_n administration_n any_o act_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o those_o that_o perform_v it_o do_v not_o give_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v null_a as_o unto_o any_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o neglect_n hereof_o in_o the_o world_n wherein_o many_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n or_o any_o act_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o office_n whereunto_o such_o power_n be_v annex_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o canon_n as_o enable_v they_o to_o act_n in_o their_o own_o name_n without_o design_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v or_o to_o make_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o his_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o love_v thereby_o be_v ruinous_a unto_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n 7._o there_o be_v no_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o form_n order_n and_o worship_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n under_o any_o qualification_n whatever_o for_o 1._o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o those_o right_n qualification_n and_o endowment_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o a_o investiture_n into_o such_o a_o legislative_a power_n for_o what_o be_v give_v and_o grant_v unto_o christ_n himself_o unto_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o law_n giver_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v find_v also_o in_o they_o who_o pretend_v unto_o any_o interest_n therein_o have_v they_o any_o of_o they_o a_o right_n and_o title_n unto_o a_o disposal_n of_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n in_o what_o way_n they_o please_v as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n have_v they_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o change_v their_o moral_a nature_n to_o give_v they_o new_a use_n and_o signification_n to_o make_v thing_n necessary_a that_o in_o themselves_o be_v indifferent_a and_o to_o order_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o law_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o his_o personal_a qualification_n of_o faithfulness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o care_n which_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o this_o work_n of_o give_v law_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n 2_o the_o event_n of_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o legislative_a power_n under_o the_o best_a pretence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o it_o namely_o in_o council_n or_o great_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o for_o it_o issue_v at_o length_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o such_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o they_o as_o exalt_v the_o cannon_n law_n into_o the_o room_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o utter_o destroy_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o discipline_n require_v therein_o 3._o such_o a_o assumption_n be_v derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o and_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v compare_v unto_o and_o prefer_v above_o moses_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o moses_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o do_v and_o appoint_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v he_o in_o the_o mount_n that_o be_v all_o whatever_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reveal_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o constitution_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o his_o
of_o a_o church-state_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o order_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v a_o great_a divine_a ordinance_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v wherefore_o that_o church-state_n which_o be_v suit_v unto_o these_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o whatever_o kind_n of_o church_n or_o churches_n be_v not_o so_o primary_o and_o as_o such_o be_v not_o of_o his_o appointment_n but_o it_o be_v in_o congregational_a church_n alone_o that_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v and_o observe_v for_o unto_o all_o of_o they_o there_o be_v require_v assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o wherever_o they_o be_v that_o church_n be_v congregational_a no_o such_o church_n as_o those_o mention_v before_o papal_n patriarchical_a metropolitical_a diocesan_n or_o in_o any_o way_n national_a be_v capable_a of_o the_o discharge_v of_o these_o duty_n or_o attain_v of_o these_o ends._n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o what_o they_o can_v do_v in_o themselves_o as_o that_o they_o can_v together_o in_o one_o place_n profess_v and_o express_v their_o subjection_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n they_o can_v have_v personal_a communinion_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n nor_o exercise_v discipline_n in_o one_o body_n and_o society_n they_o can_v yet_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n otherwise_o partly_o in_o single_a congregation_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o and_o partly_o in_o such_o way_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n as_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o state_n and_o rule_n that_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a court_n with_o jurisdiction_n over_o all_o person_n or_o congregation_n belong_v unto_o they_o it_o will_v not_o help_v their_o cause_n for_o 1_o those_o particular_a congregation_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v be_v church_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v church_n they_o be_v of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o we_o obtain_v what_o we_o aim_v at_o nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o if_o they_o be_v not_o but_o invention_n and_o appointment_n of_o their_o own_o then_o that_o which_o they_o say_v be_v this_o that_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church_n be_v not_o appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v by_o they_o provide_v for_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v which_o be_v to_o exalt_v themselves_o in_o wisdom_n and_o care_n above_o he_o and_o to_o place_n themselves_o in_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o church_n than_o he_o to_o grant_v that_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o end_v for_o which_o any_o church-state_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v can_v be_v perform_v or_o attain_v but_o in_o and_o by_o particular_a congregation_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v that_o those_o particular_a congregation_n be_v of_o christ_n institution_n be_v to_o speak_v contradiction_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v church_n and_o be_v not_o church_n 2_o a_o church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n or_o society_n as_o have_v spiritual_a power_n privilege_n and_o promise_n annex_v unto_o it_o and_o accompany_v of_o it_o that_o which_o have_v not_o so_o as_o such_o be_v no_o church_n the_o particular_a congregation_n mention_v have_v this_o power_n with_o privilege_n and_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o or_o they_o have_v not_o if_o they_o have_v not_o they_o be_v no_o church_n at_o least_o no_o complete_a church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o earth_n wherein_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v for_o which_o the_o be_v of_o church_n be_v ordain_v as_o namely_o the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v such_o power_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v from_o whence_o or_o who_o they_o have_v it_o if_o from_o christ_n then_o be_v they_o of_o his_o institution_n and_o who_o can_v divest_v they_o of_o that_o power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v it_o from_o man_n i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v pretend_v 3_o as_o unto_o that_o way_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n suit_v unto_o any_o other_o church-state_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a we_o shall_v consider_v it_o afterward_o 4_o what_o be_v do_v in_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o any_o great_a church_n as_o a_o diocesan_n or_o the_o like_a for_o whatever_o act_v any_o thing_n act_n according_a unto_o what_o it_o be_v but_o this_o of_o joint_a worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o assembly_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o such_o a_o church_n according_a unto_o what_o it_o be_v for_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o it_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o thus_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o some_o man_n under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o tradition_n that_o particular_a congregation_n be_v original_o of_o a_o divine_a institution_n and_o find_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n yet_o find_v what_o a_o inconsistency_n with_o their_o interest_n and_o some_o other_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v imbibe_v shall_v they_o still_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n see_v thereon_o the_o whole_a ordinary_a power_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n must_v reside_v in_o they_o they_o will_v now_o have_v they_o to_o be_v only_a convenience_n for_o some_o end_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o some_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v like_o christ_n institution_n but_o his_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v which_o be_v a_o image_n 2._o the_o very_a notation_n of_o the_o word_n do_v determine_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n other_o thing_n may_v in_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o both_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a worship_n be_v order_v and_o dispose_v in_o great_a variety_n but_o whilst_o a_o church_n be_v such_o as_o that_o ordinary_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o its_o ruler_n and_o those_o that_o be_v rule_v do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v still_o one_o single_a congregation_n and_o can_v be_v neither_o diocesan_n provincial_a nor_o national_a so_o that_o although_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o actual_a assembly_n yet_o be_v they_o absolute_o necessary_a unto_o its_o constitution_n in_o exercise_n hence_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o verb_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o congregate_v to_o assemble_v to_o call_v and_o meet_v together_o and_o nothing_o else_o the_o lxx_o render_v it_o most_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o congregate_v in_o a_o church_n assembly_n and_o sometime_o by_o other_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o they_o do_v the_o noun_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seldom_o by_o any_o other_o word_n but_o where_o they_o do_v so_o it_o be_v always_o of_o the_o same_o signification_n wherefore_o this_o word_n signify_v nothing_o but_o a_o congregation_n which_o assemble_v for_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o and_o act_n its_o duty_n and_o power_n so_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o may_v be_v sometime_o apply_v unto_o that_o who_o essence_n be_v not_o denote_v thereby_o as_o the_o church_n catholic_n invisible_a which_o be_v only_o a_o mystical_a society_n or_o congregation_n but_o wherever_o it_o be_v use_v to_o denote_v a_o outward_a visible_a society_n it_o do_v connote_v their_o assembly_n together_o in_o one_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v for_o a_o actual_a assembly_n act._n 19.32_o 39_o 40._o which_o be_v the_o signification_n of_o it_o in_o all_o greek_a writer_n 1_o cor._n 14.3_o 4._o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v express_o affirm_v that_o it_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 23._o wherefore_o no_o society_n that_o do_v not_o congregate_v the_o whole_a body_n whereof_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o to_o act_n its_o power_n and_o duty_n be_v a_o church_n or_o may_v be_v so_o call_v whatever_o other_o sort_n of_o body_n or_o corporation_n it_o may_v be_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o word_n use_v when_o the_o first_o intimation_n be_v be_v give_v of_o a_o evangelical_n church_n state_n with_o order_n and_o discipline_n matth._n 18.17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o contest_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o
the_o surprisal_n of_o temptation_n not_o consent_v to_o not_o delight_v or_o continue_v in_o your_o labour_n or_o contention_n of_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d col._n 2.1_o be_v night_n and_o day_n in_o your_o prayer_n for_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n that_o be_v especial_o of_o their_o own_o church_n itself_o that_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v may_v be_v save_v in_o mercy_n through_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o he_o this_o be_v their_o state_n this_o be_v their_o liturgy_n this_o their_o practice_n 1._o there_o be_v on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v respect_n be_v have_v unto_o what_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o of_o the_o same_o church_n 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o same_o grace_n be_v yet_o continue_v unto_o they_o 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o all_o of_o they_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v sanctify_v their_o mind_n be_v enable_v to_o pour_v forth_o fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n 3_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o live_v in_o any_o open_a sin_n or_o any_o secret_a sin_n know_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v only_o subject_a unto_o involuntary_a surprisal_n who_o pardon_n they_o continual_o pray_v for_o 4._o their_o love_n and_o sense_n of_o duty_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o labour_v mighty_o in_o their_o prayer_n with_o fervency_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o elect_a believer_n whether_o throughout_o the_o world_n or_o more_o especialâ—y_o those_o in_o and_o of_o their_o own_o church_n he_o that_o shall_v ascribe_v these_o thing_n unto_o any_o of_o those_o church_n which_o now_o in_o the_o world_n claim_v to_o be_v so_o only_o will_v quick_o find_v himself_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o assert_n do_v we_o all_o sedulous_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v church_n unto_o their_o primitive_a state_n and_o frame_n it_o will_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n than_o all_o our_o contention_n about_o rule_n and_o domination_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a excess_n in_o the_o deposition_n and_o rejection_n of_o their_o elder_n 62._o who_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n judge_v to_o have_v preside_v among_o they_o laudable_o and_o unblamable_o as_o unto_o their_o whole_a walk_n and_o work_v among_o they_o and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o two_o or_o three_o envious_a discontent_a person_n and_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a from_o some_o digression_n in_o the_o epistle_n taint_v with_o those_o error_n which_o have_v former_o infest_a that_o church_n as_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v therefore_o here_o reflect_v on_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n the_o church_n be_v nowhere_o reprove_v for_o assume_v a_o authority_n unto_o themselves_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o it_o seem_v what_o cyprian_n afterward_o affirm_v be_v then_o acknowledge_v namely_o that_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a and_o of_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o they_o be_v severe_o reprove_v for_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o power_n for_o they_o have_v exercise_v they_o on_o ill_a ground_n by_o ill_a mean_n for_o ill_a end_n and_o in_o a_o most_o unjust_a cause_n he_o therefore_o exhort_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o return_v unto_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o restauration_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o then_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o schism_n that_o every_o one_o will_v subject_v themselves_o unto_o the_o restore_a presbyter_n and_o say_v 69._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n appoint_v or_o command_v by_o the_o multitude_n the_o church_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n the_o plebs_fw-la the_o multitude_n the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o they_o be_v often_o call_v in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 4.32_o chap._n 6.2_o 5._o chap._n 15.12_o 30._o have_v then_o right_o and_o power_n to_o appoint_v thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n for_o order_n and_o peace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v it_o without_o or_o in_o distinction_n from_o their_o officer_n ruler_n and_o guide_n but_o in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o they_o and_o subordination_n to_o they_o whence_o the_o act_n conclude_v on_o may_v be_v esteem_v and_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o order_n can_v be_v observe_v or_o this_o can_v fall_v out_o only_o in_o a_o congregational_a church_n all_o who_o member_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o discipline_n and_o if_o no_o more_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o it_o but_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o people_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o right_n and_o power_n yet_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o shall_v fall_v out_o in_o they_o as_o do_v so_o fall_v out_o in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a or_o order_n with_o it_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o who_o may_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v any_o church-state_n into_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n that_o they_o may_v be_v caution_v against_o that_o great_a evil_n which_o this_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o suppose_a liberty_n fâ—ll_o into_o i_o can_v but_o transcribe_v a_o few_o of_o those_o excellent_a word_n which_o be_v use_v plentiful_o with_o cogent_a reason_n in_o this_o epistle_n against_o it_o 62._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v shameful_a belove_a exceed_v shameful_a which_o be_v report_v of_o you_o that_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n shall_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o or_o two_o person_n seditious_o tumultuate_a against_o their_o elder_n and_o herein_o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o dreadful_a scandal_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o both_o among_o believer_n and_o infidel_n the_o instruction_n also_o which_o he_o add_v hereunto_o be_v worthy_a the_o remembrance_n of_o all_o church_n member_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v bless_v advice_n for_o all_o church-member_n that_o he_o give_v let_v a_o man_n be_v faithful_a let_v he_o be_v powerful_a in_o knowledge_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o it_o let_v he_o be_v wise_a to_o judge_v the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v chaste_a or_o pure_a in_o his_o work_n the_o great_a he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o humble_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v have_v no_o trouble_n by_o he_o nor_o his_o gift_n but_o to_o return_v 5._o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n he_o name_v only_o the_o two_o rank_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n 55._o as_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v phil._n 1.1_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v the_o word_n through_o region_n and_o city_n they_o appoint_v the_o first_o fruit_n as_o the_o house_n of_o stephan_n as_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o achaia_n who_o therefore_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 16.15_o or_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n after_o a_o spiritual_a trial_n of_o they_o as_o unto_o their_o fitness_n for_o their_o work_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o convert_v the_o apostle_n gather_v they_o into_o church-order_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o find_v any_o fit_a among_o they_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o add_v unto_o they_o after_o they_o be_v leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n these_o bishop_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n even_o the_o same_o with_o those_o depose_v by_o the_o corinthian_n 58._o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act._n 20.28_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o small_a sin_n in_o we_o to_o reject_v or_o cast_v off_o they_o who_o have_v offer_v the_o gift_n or_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o episcopacy_n holy_o and_o without_o blame_n bless_a be_v the_o elder_n who_o go_v before_o namely_o as_o he_o express_v it_o because_o they_o be_v free_v from_o that_o amotion_n from_o their_o office_n which_o those_o elder_n now_o among_o they_o have_v undergo_v after_o they_o have_v
to_o be_v schism_n when_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v midnight_n whilst_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o full_a strength_n and_o glory_n and_o then_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o parochial_a church_n who_o have_v this_o power_n only_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o they_o whatever_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o by_o they_o but_o those_o that_o be_v put_v over_o they_o they_o can_v inform_v against_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v mulct_v and_o punish_v three_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o these_o church_n as_o such_o be_v indeed_o original_o entrust_v and_o invest_v with_o all_o church-rights_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o for_o many_o weighty_a reason_n be_v abridge_v in_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o who_o can_v think_v it_o meet_v that_o every_o single_a parish_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church-rule_n and_o power_n among_o themselves_o answ._n 1_o who_o fault_n be_v it_o that_o these_o church_n be_v not_o meet_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o such_o church_n if_o it_o be_v from_o themselves_o their_o negligence_n or_o ignorance_n or_o wickedness_n it_o be_v high_a time_n they_o be_v reform_v and_o bring_v into_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n 2._o they_o be_v indeed_o sorry_a church_n that_o be_v not_o as_o meet_v to_o exercise_v all_o church-power_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o chancellor_n court._n 3._o there_o be_v no_o power_n plead_v for_o in_o congregational_a church_n but_o what_o be_v grant_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ._n and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v take_v this_o from_o they_o or_o deprive_v they_o of_o its_o exercise_n or_o right_o thereunto_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o do_v nor_o ever_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o he_o do_v not_o pull_v down_o what_o himself_o have_v build_v nor_o do_v any_o one_o institution_n of_o he_o in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o law_n deprive_v all_o church_n of_o their_o power_n yea_o of_o their_o state_n who_o walk_v act_n and_o exercise_v a_o power_n not_o derive_v from_o he_o but_o set_v up_o against_o he_o and_o use_v unto_o such_o end_n as_o be_v opposite_a unto_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o churchâ—order_n â—order_z by_o he_o appoint_v but_o to_o imagine_v that_o whilst_o a_o church_n claim_v no_o power_n but_o what_o it_o receive_v from_o he_o use_v it_o only_o for_o he_o and_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n that_o he_o have_v by_o any_o act_n order_n or_o constitution_n take_v away_o that_o power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o vain_a supposition_n 2._o such_o church_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o this_o right_a and_o power_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o trust_n which_o they_o falsify_v if_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o part_v with_o it_o 2._o without_o it_o they_o can_v discharge_v many_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o to_o part_v with_o this_o power_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o they_o may_v lose_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o take_v from_o they_o by_o any_o law_n rule_n or_o constitution_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v be_v renounce_v or_o forgo_v by_o themselves_o what_o other_o power_n under_o heaven_n can_v just_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o or_o hinder_v they_o in_o its_o execution_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n which_o have_v render_v the_o generality_n of_o parochial_a church_n unmeet_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o church-power_n be_v that_o their_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o right_a unto_o it_o have_v be_v so_o long_o unjust_o detain_v from_o they_o as_o that_o they_o know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o belong_v thereunto_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o by_o those_o who_o shall_v instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o may_v they_o be_v admit_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o pious_a and_o prudent_a officer_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o their_o assembly_n their_o understanding_n in_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v increase_v that_o right_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o we_o thus_o assign_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n gather_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o and_o that_o only_a which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o own_o preservation_n in_o their_o state_n and_o purity_n and_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v of_o the_o church_n now_o although_o they_o may_v not_o just_o by_o any_o be_v deprive_v hereof_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v not_o a_o addition_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v make_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v of_o original_a institution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o his_o dominion_n or_o it_o may_v be_v so_o by_o the_o church_n themselves_o erect_v a_o new_a power_n in_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o many_o or_o all_o of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v not_o in_o they_o single_o and_o distinct_o before_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v much_o debate_v and_o dispute_v in_o some_o latter_a age_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n because_o no_o supreme_a power_n do_v then_o own_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o next_o three_o hundred_o year_n there_o be_v great_a ascription_n unto_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o their_o power_n and_o much_o use_n be_v make_v thereof_o among_o the_o church_n by_o such_o as_o have_v the_o best_a interest_n in_o they_o the_o next_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v as_o unto_o this_o case_n much_o take_v up_o with_o dispute_n about_o this_o power_n between_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n sometime_o one_o side_n gain_v the_o advantage_n in_o some_o especial_a instance_n sometime_o the_o other_o but_o from_o that_o period_n of_o time_n or_o thereabouts_o the_o contest_v come_v to_o blow_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o some_o hundred_o thousand_o be_v shed_v in_o the_o controversy_n namely_o about_o the_o power_n of_o emperor_n and_o king_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n on_o the_o other_o in_o the_o issue_n the_o pope_n abode_n master_n of_o the_o field_n and_o continue_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n though_o sometime_o mix_v with_o the_o rebellion_n of_o one_o stubborn_a prince_n or_o other_o as_o here_o frequent_o in_o england_n who_o control_v they_o in_o some_o of_o their_o new_a acquisition_n upon_o the_o public_a reformation_n of_o religion_n many_o prince_n throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o papal_a rule_n and_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reformer_n assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n which_o as_o they_o judge_v the_o godly_a king_n of_o judah_n of_o old_a and_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n do_v exercise_n about_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n from_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v great_a and_o vehement_a dispute_n about_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o state_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o undertake_v to_o treat_v concern_v it_o although_o it_o iâ—_n a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o extreme_n that_o many_o have_v run_v into_o some_o by_o grant_v too_o much_o and_o some_o too_o little_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v grant_v for_o my_o part_n that_o too_o much_o can_v well_o be_v assign_v unto_o they_o whilst_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v preserve_v 1._o that_o no_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o deprive_v or_o abridge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o any_o right_n authority_n or_o liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o nor_o have_v any_o to_o coerce_v punish_v or_o kill_v any_o person_n be_v civil_o peaceable_a and_o moral_o honest_a because_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v in_o thing_n concern_v gospel-faith_n and_o worship_n than_o he_o be_v it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v dispute_v whether_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v institute_v and_o appoint_v any_o new_a form_n or_o state_n of_o church_n supposed_o suit_v unto_o the_o civil_a interest_n which_o be_v never_o ordain_v or_o appoint_v by_o christ._n it_o have_v not_o i_o say_v be_v dispute_v under_o these_o term_n express_o though_o real_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o controversy_n
of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_n unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptise_a child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church-duty_n or_o enjoy_v churchâ—priviledges_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8_o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o day_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o proclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v for_o they_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n much_o more_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o adulterer_n a_o idolater_n a_o railer_n a_o hater_n &_o scoffer_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o from_o above_o be_v he_o of_o what_o church_n he_o will_v and_o whatsoever_o place_n he_o possess_v therein_o he_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v know_v he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o grace_n trust_v unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o he_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o be_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v his_o example_n have_v for_o these_o end_n receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v reject_v he_o yet_o he_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v if_o any_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o church_n any_o one_o be_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o the_o adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n may_v prejudice_v yea_o ruin_n the_o salvation_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v so_o do_v 2._o the_o choice_n of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v unto_o belong_v unto_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n hereof_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o event_n of_o be_v save_v at_o last_o will_v probable_o come_v short_a thereof_o 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o that_o a_o person_n be_v cast_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o such_o a_o place_n or_o season_n as_o
easy_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v unto_o that_o evangelical_n union_n among_o church_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v but_o only_o their_o own_o humble_a holy_a peaceable_a christian_a walk_v in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o station_n but_o where_o man_n put_v their_o own_o interest_n and_o possession_n of_o present_a advantage_n clothe_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o thing_n necessary_a thereunto_o into_o condition_n of_o communion_n or_o divest_v it_o of_o that_o latitude_n wherein_o christ_n have_v leave_v it_o by_o new_a limitation_n of_o their_o own_o it_o will_v never_o be_v attain_v on_o the_o true_a evangelical_n principle_n that_o it_o must_v proceed_v upon_o for_o however_o any_o may_v be_v displease_v with_o it_o i_o must_v assert_v and_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o this_o end_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n nor_o to_o any_o other_o end_n of_o church_n order_n or_o worship_n whatever_o but_o that_o only_a in_o who_o observance_n and_o performance_n there_o be_v a_o actual_a exercise_n of_o evangelical_n grace_n in_o obedience_n unto_o he_o 4._o that_o all_o private_a member_n of_o these_o several_a church_n which_o agree_v in_o the_o communion_n before_o mention_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v in_o any_o of_o those_o church_n either_o occasional_o or_o in_o a_o fix_a way_n and_o manner_n neither_o order_n nor_o compulsory_a decree_n will_v be_v useful_a in_o this_o matter_n in_o comparison_n of_o their_o own_o declare_a liberty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o primitive_a church_n 5._o where_o man_n be_v invincible_o hinder_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o any_o church_n by_o imposition_n which_o they_o can_v comply_v withal_o without_o sin_n or_o by_o continue_v in_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o due_a mean_n of_o their_o edification_n the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v refuse_v all_o reformation_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o their_o edification_n abide_v constant_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o true_a church_n before_o describe_v i_o confess_v this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v digest_v namely_o a_o imagination_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v oblige_v his_o disciple_n those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o abide_v always_o in_o such_o society_n as_o wherein_o not_o only_o thing_n be_v impose_v on_o their_o obedience_n and_o observance_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v but_o they_o be_v also_o force_v to_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o express_a duty_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o and_o the_o want_n of_o that_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o without_o the_o restraint_n at_o present_a upon_o they_o they_o may_v enjoy_v according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n believer_n be_v not_o make_v for_o church_n nor_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o they_o that_o rule_n in_o they_o but_o church_n be_v make_v for_o believer_n and_o their_o edification_n nor_o be_v of_o any_o use_n far_o than_o they_o tend_v thereunto_o these_o be_v the_o premise_n whereon_o we_o proceed_v in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v and_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v obstructive_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n as_o that_o without_o they_o they_o will_v never_o be_v promote_v nor_o attain_v and_o i_o do_v beg_v of_o this_o worthy_a person_n that_o he_o will_v not_o despise_v these_o thing_n but_o know_v assure_o that_o nothing_o will_v be_v so_o effectual_a to_o procure_v the_o union_n he_o desire_v as_o a_o universal_a reformation_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o it_o may_v be_v no_o man_n have_v great_a ability_n and_o opportunity_n in_o conjunction_n for_o than_o himself_o for_o woe_n be_v unto_o we_o if_o whilst_o we_o contend_v about_o outward_a peace_n in_o small_a thing_n we_o neglect_v to_o make_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o so_o expose_v ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a nation_n unto_o his_o desolate_v judgement_n which_o seem_v already_o to_o be_v impendent_a over_o we_o the_o three_o absurdity_n which_o he_o charge_v on_o our_o practice_n be_v that_o it_o will_v justify_v the_o ancient_a schism_n which_o have_v be_v always_o condemn_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o this_o charge_n he_o proceed_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vehemency_n and_o severity_n though_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o be_v least_o of_o all_o concern_v to_o make_v effectual_a this_o charge_n he_o first_o affirm_v in_o general_n that_o set_v aside_o a_o few_o thing_n they_o plead_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o their_o separation_n as_o i_o do_v for_o we_o which_o how_o great_a a_o mistake_v it_o be_v shall_v be_v manifest_v immediate_o sâ—condly_o he_o give_v instance_n in_o several_a schism_n that_o be_v so_o condemn_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o who_o practice_n be_v justify_v by_o we_o in_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v first_o premise_v some_o thing_n in_o general_a show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o this_o argument_n to_o prove_v against_o we_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n and_o then_o consider_v the_o instance_n produce_v by_o he_o i_o say_v 1._o in_o time_n of_o decay_n the_o decline_a time_n of_o church_n or_o state_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o some_o will_v be_v uneasy_a in_o their_o mind_n although_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o remedy_v what_o be_v amiss_o nor_o it_o may_v be_v fix_v on_o the_o particular_n which_o be_v the_o right_a and_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o state_n which_o they_o find_v troublesome_a unto_o they_o and_o whilst_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v at_o that_o some_o person_n do_v fall_v into_o irregular_a attempt_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o what_o be_v amiss_o the_o church_n where_o the_o instance_n insist_v on_o happen_v be_v fall_v into_o a_o mysterious_a decay_n from_o its_o original_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n which_o afterward_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o continual_o but_o all_o be_v equal_o involve_v in_o the_o same_o declension_n the_o remedy_n which_o they_o propose_v who_o be_v uneasy_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o application_n be_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n which_o yet_o lie_v uncured_a and_o continual_o increase_a prove_v in_o the_o issue_n the_o ruin_n of_o they_o all_o but_o here_o lay_v the_o original_a of_o the_o difference_n and_o schism_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o 3_o d_o 4_o the_o and_o 5_o the_o century_n that_o have_v all_o in_o some_o measure_n depart_v from_o the_o original_a institution_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o evangelical_n church_n in_o sundry_a thing_n and_o cast_v themselves_o into_o new_a form_n and_o order_n their_o difference_n and_o quarrel_n relate_v all_o unto_o they_o and_o can_v have_v have_v no_o such_o occasion_n have_v they_o keep_v themselves_o unto_o their_o primitive_a constitution_n wherefore_o those_o schism_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v by_o they_o that_o continue_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o those_o of_o the_o andeans_n and_o meletian_o as_o by_o some_o be_v pretend_v and_o johannite_v at_o constantinople_n with_o sundry_a other_o see_v they_o dissert_v not_o any_o order_n of_o divine_a institution_n but_o another_o which_o the_o church_n be_v insensible_o fall_v into_o no_o judgement_n can_v be_v make_v upon_o a_o mere_a separation_n whether_o of_o the_o party_n at_o difference_n be_v to_o blame_v i_o be_o sure_a enough_o that_o sometime_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v excuse_v whether_o the_o cause_n reason_n end_n design_n and_o way_n of_o the_o mannagement_n of_o those_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o on_o which_o schism_n in_o their_o present_a order_n do_v ensue_v be_v just_a regular_a according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v that_o who_o determination_n must_v fix_v aright_o the_o gild_n of_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o they_o and_o whereas_o we_o judge_v most_o of_o those_o who_o so_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o old_a as_o be_v here_o allege_a to_o have_v fail_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o therein_o to_o have_v contract_v gild_n unto_o themselves_o as_o occasion_v unwarrantable_a division_n and_o miss_v whole_o the_o only_a way_n of_o cure_n for_o what_o be_v real_o blame-worthy_a in_o other_o yet_o whereas_o we_o allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v schism_n proper_o but_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o christian_a love_n and_o destructive_a of_o some_o institution_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_n in_o those_o contest_v which_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o
in_o compliance_n with_o the_o political_a state_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n as_o may_v be_v think_v to_o tend_v unto_o their_o advantage_n that_o which_o we_o affirm_v be_v that_o no_o alteration_n of_o their_o state_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 4._o such_o church_n who_o frame_n constitution_n and_o power_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o order_n liberty_n power_n privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o contrary_a unto_o divine_a institution_n and_o not_o to_o be_v comply_v withal_o hereon_o we_o affirm_v that_o whereas_o we_o be_v exclude_v from_o total_a communion_n in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n unto_o we_o unlawful_a and_o sinful_a as_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o rule_n and_o worship_n on_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_a it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o gather_v ourselves_o into_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o observation_n do_v or_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o case_n we_o adhere_v unto_o and_o which_o must_v all_o of_o they_o be_v overthrow_v before_o any_o colour_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o charge_n of_o schism_n against_o we_o and_o what_o be_v speak_v unto_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o drs._n discourse_n we_o shall_v now_o consider_v only_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o all_o these_o principle_n or_o assertion_n be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n that_o which_o first_o occur_v in_o the_o treatise_n under_o consideration_n unto_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n be_v the_o exception_n put_v in_o unto_o a_o passage_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v as_o follow_v we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o separate_v from_o parochial_a church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v on_o other_o ground_n necessary_a so_o to_o separate_v or_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o that_o do_v so_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o some_o other_o particular_a congregation_n i_o have_v not_o observe_v any_o occasion_n wherein_o the_o dr._n be_v more_o vehement_a in_o his_o rhetoric_n than_o he_o be_v on_o that_o of_o this_o passage_n which_o yet_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v good_a sense_n and_o innocent_a 1._o hereunto_o he_o say_v 1._o p._n 221._o that_o this_o be_v either_o not_o to_o the_o business_n or_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o independency_n if_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o business_n i_o can_v help_v it_o and_o he_o may_v as_o i_o suppose_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v deal_v with_o many_o passage_n in_o his_o discourse_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o independency_n i_o say_v whatever_o that_o be_v let_v whoso_o will_v take_v it_o and_o dispose_v of_o it_o as_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o they_o but_o in_o proof_n hereof_o he_o say_v 1._o wherefore_o do_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o their_o separate_a congregation_n when_o not_o one_o of_o the_o thing_n now_o particular_o allege_v against_o our_o church_n be_v require_v of_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o if_o any_o do_v in_o those_o time_n plead_v for_o separate_v congregation_n let_v they_o answer_v for_o themselves_o i_o be_v none_o of_o they_o they_o do_v indeed_o plead_v for_o distinct_a congregation_n exempt_a in_o some_o few_o thing_n from_o a_o penal_a rule_n then_o endeavour_v by_o some_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o all_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n nor_o restraint_n of_o communion_n between_o any_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a between_o we_o and_o parochial_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v other_o reason_n of_o forbear_v a_o conjunction_n in_o some_o act_n of_o church_n rule_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n than_o those_o which_o be_v allege_v against_o total_a communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n in_o worship_n order_n and_o discipline_n 2._o he_o add_v second_o but_o if_o he_o insist_o on_o those_o thing_n common_a to_o our_o church_n with_o other_o reform_a church_n than_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o suppose_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n i_o fear_v i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o this_o mean_n nor_o what_o it_o tend_v unto_o but_o according_a as_o i_o apprehend_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o i_o say_v 1._o i_o insist_v principal_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o common_a unto_o they_o with_o other_o reform_a church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n these_o vary_v the_o term_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o communion_n between_o they_o and_o it_o 2._o the_o thing_n we_o except_v against_o in_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o institution_n as_o parochial_a which_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v the_o only_a kind_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n but_o be_v contrary_a unto_o what_o be_v institute_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o such_o church_n which_o one_o observation_n make_v void_a all_o that_o he_o will_v infer_v from_o the_o present_a supposition_n as_o 3._o he_o enquire_v hereon_o what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n be_v only_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o separate_v from_o they_o because_o they_o have_v thing_n repugnant_a unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n the_o dr._n i_o fear_v will_v call_v this_o sophistry_n in_o another_o or_o at_o least_o complain_v that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o odd_o and_o faint_o express_v but_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o separation_n from_o parochial_a church_n because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n be_v only_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v be_v deny_v by_o we_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o assertion_n oppose_v by_o he_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o he_o as_o that_o which_o we_o affirm_v or_o which_o we_o deny_v 2._o there_o be_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o separate_v from_o they_o because_o they_o have_v thing_n repugnant_a unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o church_n which_o be_v divine_o institute_v and_o another_o to_o do_v so_o because_o of_o thing_n practise_v and_o impose_v in_o it_o contrary_a to_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n 4._o but_o he_o after_o say_v be_v not_o this_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o separation_n because_o christ_n have_v appoint_v unalterable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o parochial_a church_n i_o answer_v no_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o omission_n at_o least_o for_o a_o season_n in_o some_o church_n of_o some_o rule_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o we_o judge_v his_o rule_n as_o unto_o right_a unalterable_a which_o may_v not_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n but_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o the_o separation_n we_o defend_v be_v the_o practise_v and_o impose_v of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n yea_o in_o our_o judgement_n contrary_a thereunto_o and_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o government_n of_o man_n devise_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o primary_n cause_v plead_v herein_o but_o because_o the_o dr._n propose_v a_o case_n on_o those_o supposition_n whereon_o he_o seem_v to_o lay_v great_a weight_n though_o indeed_o however_o it_o be_v determine_v it_o conduce_v nothing_o unto_o his_o end_n but_o argue_v only_o some_o keenness_n of_o spirit_n against_o they_o who_o he_o oppose_v i_o shall_v at_o large_a transcribe_v the_o whole_a of_o it_o let_v we_o then_o say_v he_o 1._o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n appoint_v that_o a_o church_n shall_v